Whether you’re planning a sun-soaked beach escape or exploring colonial Santo Domingo, this guide walks you through every document, fee and exemption you need to know—so you can breeze through immigration and start your adventure.
Understanding Basic Entry Requirements
Your first stop is ensuring your passport meets Dominican standards.
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and contain at least one blank page for the entry stamp. For full details, see the U.S. State Department’s Dominican Republic entry requirements.
- Every traveler needs to complete the mandatory E-TICKET form, a digital arrival-and-departure card that immigration uses to process you more quickly. Fill it out before you board on the Dominican Republic Immigration E-TICKET portal.
“The E-TICKET has reduced wait times at Punta Cana and Santo Domingo airports by roughly 30%.” – José Martínez, Dominican Immigration Official
Tourist Card vs. Traditional Visa
What the Tourist Card Actually Is
The Dominican “Tourist Card” isn’t a visa in the classic sense but a visitor tax established under Dominican Republic Law 199-67 that grants you permission to stay up to 30 days for leisure or family visits.
Who’s Exempt and Who’s Not
You do not need a Dominican tourist card (or visa) if you’re a legal resident of, or hold a valid visa from, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom or any Schengen state, as outlined in the Visa policy of the Dominican Republic. Everyone else must secure the card—even if your nationality is visa-exempt.
How to Secure Your Tourist Card and Complete the E-TICKET
- By air: Your airline ticket automatically includes the Tourist Card fee—no extra purchase needed at the airport. See the UK Foreign Travel Advice: Dominican Republic entry requirements for confirmation.
- By land or sea: Apply online in advance through the E-TICKET portal, then print or screenshot your confirmation.
Required Documents
- Completed E-TICKET form
- Valid passport
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of lodging (hotel reservation or invitation letter)
- Proof of sufficient funds (cash, credit card statement)
Overstaying and Departure Fees
If you stay beyond your 30-day permit, Dominican Immigration applies a departure fee—determined by your length of overstay—payable at the airport before you board.
• Minor late (1–7 days): US $30–US $50
• Extended overstay (8–30 days): US $100–US $250
• Significant overstay (31+ days): up to US $500
What You Can’t Do on a Tourist Card
Working or conducting paid business is strictly prohibited under the Tourist Card. If you intend to sell, perform any service for remuneration or attend business meetings that generate income, you must apply for a Business Visa through a Dominican consulate. For detailed procedures, refer to the Business Visa information from the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo.
Customs and Proof of Funds
Short-term visitors are rarely checked, but keep these items handy in case you’re asked:
- Evidence of US $100 per day or equivalent funds
- Customs declaration forms for valuable items, food or large sums of cash
Check the Dominican Republic General Directorate of Customs regulations for full guidelines on prohibited items and declaration processes.
Departure Tax and Final Steps
Before you leave, remember:
– No separate departure tax for air travelers (it’s bundled into your ticket).
– If you arrived by land or sea, pay any outstanding Tourist Card fees or overstay fines.
– Complete the digital exit portion of your E-TICKET at the airport kiosk.
Your Key to Seamless Entry
With your passport in order, E-TICKET completed, Tourist Card secured and any potential fees addressed, you’re ready to step off the plane and into the warmth of the Dominican Republic—stress-free and excited for what’s next. Pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to explore.